MOGWAI EMERGE FROM CHEMIKAL UNDERGROUND

The Scots experimentalists on verge of quitting their label, nme.com can reveal...

Mogwai are on the verge of signing a new record deal, ending their three-year relationship with Glasgow label Chemikal Underground.

A spokesperson confirmed that several labels had made offers to sign the band and they are currently in discussions, though nme.com understands that PIAS, Campag Velocet’s label, are the front runners.

The spokesperson said: “We haven’t made up our minds about anything yet, but whatever decision we make it will be a good one because people will be able to get our records,” he added.

Since releasing their first single for the label, ‘4 Satin’ in 1997, Mogwai have re-signed to Chemikal Underground for an individual release basis.

Both the band’s 1997 debut album ‘Mogwai Young Team’ and last year’s ‘Come On Die Young’ were released on Chemikal Underground, as well as three singles – ‘4 Satin’, ‘No Education = No Future (Fuck The Curfew)’ in ’98 and Mogwai EP last October.

A spokesperson at the label said they are still in contact with Mogwai and are on good terms.

Mogwai joined Chemikal Underground founders The Delgados and labelmates including Magoo and Arab Strap on the bill for the label’s fifth birthday party gig at the Glasgow Garage on March 12, and will play alongside them as hosts of this weekend’s All Tomorrow’s Parties festival at Camber Sands Holiday Camp.

The band have drafted in a string quintet for their performance there, and play a warm-up with the musicians at Edinburgh Liquid Rooms tomorrow night (Tuesday April 4).

Meanwhile Chemikal Underground are said to be focusing on the release of The Delgados’ third album, ‘The Great Eastern’, on April 17.